Ian Chappell: Australia comfortably ahead of India after day one of first Test

Former Australian captain Ian Chappell has praised the Australian bowlers for their game plan against India’s top order after a successful first day.

The first session saw India come out in sweltering heat at the Adelaide Oval, but it was the Australian bowlers that started on fire, with three of India’s top four removed in the first hour of play.

While Australia was certainly aided by some poor strokeplay from the likes of KL Rahul and Virat Kohli, Chappell said Australia’s plan was on point.

“Some of the shots early on, I think you've got to give the credit to the Australian bowlers because they tempted the Indian top order by bowling full,” Chappell told Wide World of Sports.

“It was probably 50-50, some poor shot selection, but also some smart bowling from the Australians.”

Pat Cummins picked up the key wicket of Virat Kohli early on day one (AAP)

With carnage all unfolding around him throughout the day, Cheteshwar Pujara outshined the sexier names in the Indian lineup en-route to a sterling 123, but Chappell suggested that Australia was still well ahead of the tourists.

“You've virtually bowled the opposition out for 250 on the first day in Adelaide, particularly when it's in the high-30s temperature-wise.

“The bowling side has got to be very happy. But that's then dependent on how they bat.”

Looking forward to day two, Chappell said that the bowling side needs to capitalise on the new ball if they are to a long, hard stint in the field.

Cheteshwar Pujara was the lone shining light for India with a classy 123 (AAP)

“If you don't get wickets with the new ball, good luck, you're in trouble then,” he said.

“It'll still be helpful with the new ball because there's a bit of grass on the track.

“You've got to bowl well with the new ball and get some wickets. Then the hard work comes in the second and third session because as the ball gets older, the wicket definitely flattens out.”

While striking with the new ball as Australia did is paramount for India, a lot of the tourists’ bowling burden will fall to off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin.

Ashwin has enjoyed another successful calendar year with 32 wickets in 10 games at an average of 25.46 in 2018, but he will be anxious to improve on his paltry record in Australian conditions where he has taken just 21 wickets in seven Tests at an average of 54.71.

Australia's bowlers weathered the sweltering heat in Adelaide to put on a terrific bowling performance (AAP)

Australian spinner Nathan Lyon was able to extract some turn out of the wicket, and Chappell suggested that Ashwin’s propensity to put overspin on the ball should see him get assistance out of the wicket.

“Overspin is the most important thing in Adelaide and both Nathan Lyon and Ashwin do get a bit of overspin,” he said.

“That gets you the extra bounce and that's what gets (batsmen) in trouble.”

India will begin day two with Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah at the crease looking to add to their first innings total.